Growing your business is not always straightforward and financial constraints can hinder innovation and expansion. Working with the University of Lincoln can enable you to access a specialist service, expertise or capability that may not have otherwise been available to you. It can also support innovative partnerships between your business, the University and public and third sector organisations.

Within the Research and Enterprise team, we have a broad range of expertise in the development of collaborative funding proposals. This is designed to support innovative partnerships between the University and private, public and third sector organisations. We will work with you to identify appropriate funding mechanisms, then support you through proposal development and submission as well as managing IP and contract negotiations. We aim to support you throughout the life-cycle of your project.

There are a range of funding opportunities available for new and established businesses and working with a university can enhance and strengthen your application. Current opportunities include European funding, Research Councils UK, Innovate UK and a range of charities.

European Regional Development Fund

Greater Lincolnshire's European Regional Development Fund is designed to enable SMEs to advance and develop their innovation ambitions through a programme of grant funding, events, continuing professional development (CPD) and support. Collaboration with the University delivers technical knowledge and expertise, while a dedicated internship programme provides businesses with graduate-level skills. For more information visit Innovation Programme for Greater Lincolnshire or email info@lincsinnovation.ac.uk.

Innovate UK

Formerly known as the Technology Strategy Board, Innovate UK is the UK's innovation agency. It's role is to help drive productivity and growth by supporting businesses to realise the potential of new technologies, develop ideas and make them a commercial success. Working in collaboration with with research funding councils, business, and academia, Innovate UK provides grants to UK companies of all sizes to stimulate business led-innovation. For more information email enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk or call 0800 915 5278.

The University of Lincoln, through its partnerships with Siemens and other businesses, both large and small, and with the city and region, is building on the engineering and technological heritage of Lincoln and Lincolnshire. It epitomises the importance of the city and regional partnerships that are necessary to underpin local and regional growth and productivity.

Funding your business can sometimes be quite daunting but Sparkhouse but Sparkhouse can offer support with developing your business plan and financial forecast. These are vital to secure funding from banks, angel networks or investors. Sparkhouse also offers a range of workshops that outline what investors/banks are looking for. Visit the Sparkhouse website for more information or contact the Sparkhouse team on 01522 837200 or at sparkhouse@lincoln.ac.uk.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

The University of Lincoln has a wealth of experience with Knowledge Transfer Partnership schemes. It has conducted more than 60 projects with with organisations of many different sizes from many sectors. If you would like to find out how your business could benefit from a KTP, contact the Research and Enterprise team on 0800 915 5278 or email enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk. Further information on the scheme can also be found on the GOV.UK website.

Graduate Internship Scheme

The University is pleased to be able to offer our highly-successful Graduate Internship Scheme. The scheme allows us to offer businesses a £1,000 bursary to recruit one of our talented graduates for a minimum three-month period. If you have never recruited a graduate, this is an ideal scheme to explore their potential, with minimal risk for you as an employer. To find out more contact a member of the Careers team on 01522 837828 or email careers@lincoln.ac.uk